The defensive play of the day went to new safety Madieu Williams, who swiped the ball away from Paul on a red zone play. It was an athletic catch by Paul, but a better play by Williams to knock it away.

Defensive end Stephen Bowen and receiver Leonard Hankerson worked with trainers on the sidelines, and did not suit up. Running back Tim Hightower did suit up, but did not participate in team drills. Defensive end Adam Carriker did not participate in drills, as he was battling blisters from earlier in the week.

Rex Grossman hasn’t had a lot of time to watch Robert Griffin III through the first six days of the Washington Redskins’ organized team activities, but he already likes what he’s seen.

“From day one, he hadn’t had a missed call,” Grossman said Thursday at Redskins Park. “He’s gotten a lot better from the first day I was out here until today, you know? He looks pretty good. He’s definitely getting better. Somebody with that skill set – the sky’s the limit.”

Griffin, the No. 2 overall selection in the NFL Draft in April, was named the starting quarterback by head coach Mike Shanahan after the conclusion of rookie minicamp earlier this month.

Barry Cofield and Tanard Jackson were the only Redskins not in attendance at today’s OTA practice. Mike Shanahan said both absence’s were excused.

Tim Hightower was held out of today’s practice. Shanahan said he expects Hightower (still recovering from mid-season knee surgery) to be ready for training camp

Brian Orakpo’s left pectoral muscle was wrapped today as he watched Washington’s 11-on-11 drills from the sideline. He told me that he was held out for precautionary reasons and that he is just fine. You may remember that he injured the muscle after a multi-sack first half against the New York Giants in Week-17. Mike Shanahan said MRI’s were taken of the pectoral recently, and that the Redskins aren’t concerned about Orakpo. He should be back on the field soon.

Niles Paul stood out in today’s practice, catching two deep balls while being matched up against a safety and a linebacker. His transition to tight end will hinge more on his development as a blocker than as a pass-catcher, but there’s no question that a tight end with his 4.5 speed will present problems for defenses.

1niksder wrote:Says what other QBs have said about Shanny just isn't true

"Other QBs." I know he's too classy to name names, but let's be real.

I'm so glad RGIII is at the helm.

"I’m never under the assumption that you draft for need. You draft the best available football player on the board. ... Because, in the long run, they are the ones who will help you win the most games." - Scot McCloughan